Prashant Kishor Slams "Jungle Raj" Return as Tejashwi Yadav Becomes INDIA Bloc's CM Face for Bihar Elections

Following the INDIA alliance's announcement of Tejashwi Yadav as their chief ministerial candidate for Bihar's 2025 Assembly elections, election strategist Prashant Kishor delivered a scathing response, stating this move was "always expected."

While addressing reporters in Bihar, Kishor remarked, "It was always anticipated that if Lalu Yadav's 'Jungle Raj' were to return, Tejashwi Yadav would be the CM face. So, what's new in that?"

Kishor ridiculed Tejashwi Yadav's campaign promises, including claims about transforming Bihar into a "golden Lanka." He added, "In the coming days, Tejashwi Yadav will announce his plans to transform Bihar into golden Lanka... People vote for BJP out of fear of Lalu Yadav, not the other way around, but this time citizens have a strong alternative in Jan Suraaj, and they will not make a mistake."

The announcement came during a joint press conference in Patna, where Congress leader Ashok Gehlot confirmed Tejashwi Yadav as the chief ministerial candidate and VIP chief Mukesh Sahani as deputy candidate, with possibilities of additional deputy announcements.

Kishor questioned this arrangement as well: "Appoint not just one but five deputy chief ministers, but how will that benefit Bihar? This isn't a new announcement... What's innovative about that?"

He emphasized voters' recollections of corruption and poor governance during RJD's previous tenure and encouraged people to choose a system that prioritizes education and employment.

Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Samrat Chaudhary criticized the alliance, accusing Lalu Yadav of pressuring partners to support his son as chief ministerial candidate. "Just as Lalu Yadav maintained a criminal regime for 15 years, he has similarly used intimidation within his alliance to position his son as a Chief Minister contender," Chaudhary stated.

He described the development as a "shameful day for democracy" and questioned the feasibility of Tejashwi Yadav's government job promises, estimating costs of at least Rs 12 lakh crore.

While Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party is contesting the Bihar elections on a significant scale, the strategist himself has decided not to run. Earlier this week, at least three of his party candidates withdrew their nominations, prompting Kishor to accuse the BJP of pressuring his party members to exit the race.

"The BJP has cultivated an image in recent years suggesting they form the government regardless of election outcomes. Consider the state of the party that labeled Jan Suraaj a vote-splitter and questioned our identity. The polling process has begun, and the NDA is clearly frightened," said Kishor.

Bihar will conduct elections in two phases on November 6 and 11, with vote counting scheduled for November 14.